Delaware students join March for Our Lives protest in Washington

Tens of thousands swarmed into the nation's capital to march for gun control and ignite political activism among the young. Teenage marchers are pledging to vote in November for candidates that will listen to their cries for gun control. (March 24)
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Protestors join the March for our Lives for gun control in Washington, D.C.(Photo: Jasper Colt, USAT)

Nicholas Dworet would have turned 18 on Saturday if he hadn't been killed in a mass shooting in Parkland, Florida, on Valentine's Day.

The thought momentarily stunned the crowd of more than 500,000 teens and adults gathered in Washington on Saturday for March for Our Lives, a student-led gun control rally created and organized by survivors of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

Later, they sang "Happy Birthday" for Nicholas, their voices echoing down Pennsylvania Avenue. Concord High School students, who set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for the pilgrimage, sang along, part of the massive, undulating crowd.

"We'll be counted among the many thousands," senior Carrie Cattlet said, standing with her twin, Alyson, and wearing shirts reading "Brandywine School District Students Stand Up!"

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Sarah Panek, a junior at Concord, holds a sign adding up the victims at large shootings like Columbine, Virginia Tech and Sandy Hook. At the bottom, it asks “How many more?” Photo: Jessica Bies/The News Journal

Kelsey Wagner, a junior at Concord High School, joins a rally against gun violence in the March for Our Lives in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, March 24. “There’s a lot of people, but it’s good," she said. "I just hope we can send a message to legislators to make a change and end gun violence.” Photo: Jessica Bies/The News Journal

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Kelsey Wagner, a junior at Concord, held a sign that said "End gun violence" up above her head.

"There is a lot of people, but it's good," she said. "I just hope we can send a message to legislators to make a change and end gun violence."

The march began at noon on Pennsylvania Avenue, between Third and 12the Street NW. Much like the Women’s March in January, thousands attended sister marches across the country, including Wilmington,Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach and Lewes.

March For Our Lives protesters demand "their lives and safety become a priority and that we end gun violence and mass shootings in our schools and communities" march at the Arizona State Capitol on Mar. 24, 2018 in Phoenix, Ariz. After the rampage at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., left 17 people dead, a student lead movement has spread across the country seeking changes to gun regulations, school safety and registering new voters. Rob Schumacher, The Republic via USA TODAY NETWORK

March For Our Lives protesters demand "their lives and safety become a priority and that we end gun violence and mass shootings in our schools and communities" march at the Arizona State Capitol on Mar. 24, 2018 in Phoenix, Ariz. Rob Schumacher, The Republic via USA TODAY NETWORK

March For Our Lives protesters demand "their lives and safety become a priority and that we end gun violence and mass shootings in our schools and communities" march to the Arizona State Capitol on Mar. 24, 2018 in Phoenix, Ariz. Rob Schumacher, The Republic via USA TODAY NETWORK

March For Our Lives protesters demand "their lives and safety become a priority and that we end gun violence and mass shootings in our schools and communities" march to the Arizona State Capitol on Mar. 24, 2018 in Phoenix, Ariz. Rob Schumacher, The Republic via USA TODAY NETWORK

March For Our Lives protesters demand "their lives and safety become a priority and that we end gun violence and mass shootings in our schools and communities" march at the Arizona State Capitol on Mar. 24, 2018 in Phoenix, Ariz. Rob Schumacher, The Republic via USA TODAY NETWORK

March For Our Lives protesters demand "their lives and safety become a priority and that we end gun violence and mass shootings in our schools and communities" march at the Arizona State Capitol on Mar. 24, 2018 in Phoenix, Ariz. Rob Schumacher, The Republic via USA TODAY NETWORK

March For Our Lives protesters demand "their lives and safety become a priority and that we end gun violence and mass shootings in our schools and communities" march to the Arizona State Capitol on Mar. 24, 2018 in Phoenix, Ariz. Rob Schumacher, The Republic via USA TODAY NETWORK

Thousands attended Indiana's March for Our Lives rally at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis, Ind. on March 24, 2018, part of a national student-led movement to end gun violence. Jenna Watson, The Indianapolis Star via USA TODAY NETWORK

Thousands of valley residents participate in March For Our Lives in downtown Phoenix at the Arizona State Capitol on March 24, 2018., joining hundreds of concurrent demonstrations across the U.S. protesting gun violence in schools and calling for gun-control laws. Nick Oza, The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY NETWORK

Thousands of people gather in the March for Our Lives movement at Florida's Capitol on Saturday in Tallahassee, Fla., joining millions around the nation and the world is support of gun law reform. Joe Rondone, Tallahassee Democrat via USA TODAY NETWORK

Before the start of the March for Our Lives rally on the riverfront in downtown Detroit, Michigan on March 24, 2018 Rick Pallas, 62 of Troy stood up on a concrete flower bed showing off his sign and sending a message. Pallas join closed to 10,000 other marchers who went from the riverfront to Campus Martius and back near the Renaissance Center Wintergarden area for a rally and speeches.
(Via OlyDrop) Eric Seals, Detroit Free Press via USA TODAY NETWORK

One of the thousands of signs that marchers held during the March for Our Lives rally on the riverfront in downtown Detroit, Michigan on March 24, 2018.It is estimated by organizers that close to 10,000 showed up in downtown for the march and rally with various speakers. Eric Seals, Detroit Free Press via USA TODAY NETWORK

One of the thousands of signs that marchers held during the March for Our Lives rally on the riverfront in downtown Detroit, Michigan on March 24, 2018. Eric Seals, Detroit Free Press via USA TODAY NETWORK

Afnan Tooba, 16, and a junior at Fordson High School in Dearborn yells out "enough is enough" during the March for Our Lives rally on the riverfront in downtown Detroit, Michigan on March 24, 2018.
It is estimated that 10,000 people came to the march and rally in downtown. Eric Seals, Detroit Free Press via USA TODAY NETWORK

Gabrielle Posnadlo, 32 of Ferndale listens to one of the several speakers during the March for Our Lives rally on the riverfront in downtown Detroit, Michigan on March 24, 2018. Eric Seals, Detroit Free Press via USA TODAY NETWORK

Demonstrators march through downtown during the March for Our Lives protest for gun legislation and school safety on March 24, 2018, in Cincinnati. Summoned by student survivors of the Florida school assault, thousands swarmed into the nation's capital and cities across America on Saturday to march for gun control and ignite political activism among the young. John Minchillo, AP

Debbie Babula, Franklin, joins thousands of Milwaukee students, adults and community advocates for change participate in March For Our Lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Saturday, March 24, as part of other marches across the country to pressure for gun measures following the Parkland shootings. RIck Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA TODAY NETWORK

Participants take part in the March for Our Lives Rally in New York on March 24, 2018.
Galvanized by a massacre at a Florida high school, hundreds of thousands of Americans are expected to take to the streets in cities across the United States on Saturday in the biggest protest for gun control in a generation. AFP/Getty Images

People arrive early for the March For Our Lives rally against gun violence in Washington, DC on March 24, 2018.
Galvanized by a massacre at a Florida high school, hundreds of thousands of Americans are expected to take to the streets in cities across the United States on Saturday in the biggest protest for gun control in a generation. Alex Edelman, AFP/Getty Images

Students and activists display posters and chant slogans during the March For Our Lives rally against gun violence in Washington, DC on March 24, 2018.
Galvanized by a massacre at a Florida high school, hundreds of thousands of Americans are expected to take to the streets in cities across the United States on Saturday in the biggest protest for gun control in a generation. Andrew Caballero-Reynolds, AFP/Getty Images

Andrew Jaynes, 10, of New City, N.Y. was among several thousand people that attended a March for Our Lives rally in front of the Rockland County Courthouse in New City March 24, 2018. Seth Harrison, The Journal News via USA TODAY NETWORK

Diane Gonzalez, a teacher at Chestnut Ridge Elementary School in Chestnut Ridge, NY. was among several thousand people that attended a March for Our Lives rally in front of the Rockland County Courthouse in New City, N.Y. March 24, 2018. Seth Harrison, The Journal News

A lot of us arent able to vote so this is kind of the only way we can make our voices heard.  Abby Thurston, sophomore at Nutley High School . [Via MerlinFTP Drop] Svetlana Shkolnikova, The Record via USA TODAY NETWORK

Protestors carry placards and shout slogans during a demonstration calling for greater gun control, outside the US Embassy in south London on March 24, 2018.
The London rally, in solidarity with the US movement 'March For Our Lives', is one of hundreds of gun control protests taking place globally. Tolga Akmen, AFP/Getty Images

Protesters gather for the March for Our Lives rally along Pennsylvania Avenue March 24, 2018 in Washington, DC. Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators, including students, teachers and parents gathered in Washington for the anti-gun violence rally organized by survivors of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School school shooting on February 14 that left 17 dead and 17 others wounded. More than 800 related events are taking place around the world to call for legislative action to address school safety and gun violence. Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

Early arrivals for the March For Our Lives hold up signs on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC on March 24, 2018. March For Our Lives was organized in response to the 14 February shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. The student activists demand that their lives and safety become a priority, and an end to gun violence and mass shootings in schools. Michael Reynolds, EPA-EFE

Participants line up early to reserve a spot on Pennsylvania Avenue prior to the March For Our Lives in Washington, DC on March 24, 2018. March For Our Lives student activists demand that their lives and safety become a priority, and an end to gun violence and mass shootings in schools. Shawn Thew, EPA-EFE

Early arrivals for the March For Our Lives hold up signs on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC on March 24, 2018. March For Our Lives was organized in response to the 14 February shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. The student activists demand that their lives and safety become a priority, and an end to gun violence and mass shootings in schools. Michael Reynolds, EPA-EFE

Tahara Anderson, 42, from Wantagh, NY, is marching for her boys, ages 10 and 7.
"One of them was really scared because the lockdown drills have increased," she said. "He was crying, 'What if I'm in the hall, what if I can't get to my brother?'"
Anderson said the school shootings have left her with a "feeling of dread." She wants to stand with the kids across the country who are pushing for an end to mass gun violence.
"What an inspiration they are," she said. "Maybe they will be the voice that will bring the change."
Alia E. Dastagir, USA TODAY

An 11-year-old girl nearly stole the show, delivering an awe-inspiring speech on the shooting deaths of black women and girls.

"I represent the African-American women who are victims of gun violence, who are simply statistics instead of vibrant, beautiful girls full of potential," Naomi Wadler, from Virginia told the crowd.

Naomi Wadler, 11, a student at George Mason Elementary School, speaks during the "March for Our Lives" rally in support of gun control on Saturday.(Photo: Alex Brandon, AP)

"For far too long, these black girls and women have been just numbers," she said. "I am here to say never again for those girls, too," referencing the #NeverAgain slogan at the heart of the demonstration.

Survivors of the Parkland shooting, among them Cameron Kasky, also spoke.

"Look around," he said. "We are the change."

"We hereby promise to fix the broken system we have been forced into. Politicians, either represent the people or get out. Stand for us or beware, the voters are coming for you."

Yolanda Renee King, the 9-year-old granddaughter of Martin Luther King Jr. led the crowd in a chant about her generation and spoke about her family’s legacy.

Yolanda King, granddaughter of Martin Luther King Jr. and Jaclyn Corin, right, a survivor of the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, speak at the March for Our Lives in Washington, D.C., on March 24, 2018.(Photo: Jim Lo Scalzo, EPA)

“My grandfather had a dream that his four little children would not be judged by the color of their skin, but the content of their character,” Yolanda said. “I have a dream that enough is enough, and this should be a gun-free world, period."

Ashley Buccio, a senior at Concord, said the rally was inspirational and moving. She thought back to the shooting in Parkland and what it was like to hear about it on the news.

"That could have been us," she said. "I don't know what I would do in that position."

Her English teacher, Julia Overly, who helped arrange the trip, liked the depth and breadth of the rally. It featured speakers from the D.C.-area, Chicago and Los Angeles, who talked about not only school safety but gun culture, domestic violence and more.

Kerry Bruni, a Wilmington mom, tagged along for the trip because she believes strongly in gun control. When her kids visit their friends' homes, she worries they might find a gun and start playing with it, like the 9-year-old Mississippi boy who shot his sister over video game controller earlier this month.

At the march, she saw photographers taking pictures from the tops of nearby buildings and briefly worried someone would open fire on the crowd.

That is the way far too many people think now, she said. Guns cause so much fear.

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Yolanda Renee King, grand daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., left, and Jaclyn Corin, a student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., and one of the organizers of the rally, hug during the "March for Our Lives" rally in support of gun control on March 24, 2018, in Washington. Alex Brandon, AP

Students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, including Emma Gonzalez, center, stand together on stage with other young victims of gun violence at the conclusion of the March for Our Lives rally on March 24, 2018 in Washington, DC. Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

People march across the Milwaukee River on the W. State St. bridge just east of N. Old World 3rd St. on their way to Red Arrow Parkduring the March For Our Lives event in Milwaukee on March 24, 2018. Marches in Milwaukee and across the country took place as part of pressure for gun measures following the Parkland shootings. Mike De Sisti and Jim Nelson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA TODAY NETWORK

Thousands of valley residents participate in March For Our Lives in downtown Phoenix at the Arizona State Capitol on Saturday, March 24, 2018., joining hundreds of concurrent demonstrations across the U.S. protesting gun violence in schools and calling for gun-control laws. Nick Oza, The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY NETWORK

Moustaffa Abdulrazak, 16, a junior at Fairdaile High School, leads a chant at the beginning of the "March for our Lives" at Waterfront Park in Louisville, Ky. David R. Lutman, Courier Journal via USA TODAY NETWORK

People gather in front of the Milwaukee County Courthouse for speeches before marching during the March For Our Lives event in Milwaukee on March 24, 2018. Marches in Milwaukee and across the country took place as part of pressure for gun measures following the Parkland shootings. Mike De Sisti and Jim Nelson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA TODAY NETWORK

Tears roll down the face of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student Emma Gonzalez as she observes 6 minutes and 20 seconds of silence while addressing the March for Our Lives rally on March 24 in Washington. Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

Rebecca Kuhn clutches her daughter, Zoe, 16, a sophomore at North Oldham High School, as they wait for the start of the "March for our Lives" at Waterfront Park in Louisville, Ky. David R. Lutman, Courier Journal via USA TODAY NETWORK

Jamille Jones, the founder of Springfield Black Lives Matter, uses a megaphone as she marches around Park Central Square while holding her son Superior Jones, 10 mos., during the March For Our Lives rally on March 24, 2018. Andrew Jansen, /News-Leader via USA TODAY NETWORK

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student Aalayah Eastmond speaks during the March for Our Lives Rally in Washington, DC on March 24, 2018.
Galvanized by a massacre at a Florida high school, hundreds of thousands of Americans are expected to take to the streets in cities across the United States on Saturday in the biggest protest for gun control in a generation. Jim Watson, AFP/Getty Images

March For Our Lives protesters demand "their lives and safety become a priority and that we end gun violence and mass shootings in our schools and communities" march to the Arizona State Capitol on Mar. 24, 2018 in Phoenix, Ariz. After the rampage at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., left 17 people dead, a student lead movement has spread across the country seeking changes to gun regulations, school safety and registering new voters. Rob Schumacher, The Republic via USA TODAY NETWORK

Alex Wind, a survivor of the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School speaks at during the March For Our Lives in Washington, DC on March 24, 2018. March For Our Lives student activists demand that their lives and safety become a priority, and an end to gun violence and mass shootings in our schools. Shawn Thew, EPA-EFE

Thousands marched in White Plains, N.Y. as they took part in the March for Our Lives rally March 24, 2018. Thousands of residents from Westchester County, which is just north of New York City, took part in the rally. Seth Harrison, The Journal News via USA TODAY NETWORK

Thousands wait outside to enter the Indiana Statehouse for Indiana's March for Our Lives rally in Indianapolis, Ind. on March 24, 2018, part of a national student-led movement to end gun violence. Jenna Watson, IndyStar via USA TODAY NETWORK

Attendees of Indiana's March for Our Lives rally confront a counter-protester who carries a gun, outside the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis, Ind. March 24, 2018, part of a national student-led movement to end gun violence. The counter-protester withheld his identity. Jenna Watson, IndyStar via USA TODAY NETWORK

Lori Russoman and Malia Russoman, 10, from Point Pleasant, NJ listen to speakers during March for Our Lives in Washington on March 24, 2018. The march was organized following the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shootings in Parkland Florida last month, during which 17 people with killed. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY

Rich Osiol, a pro gun supporter watches thousands of valley residents participate in March For Our Lives in downtown Phoenix at the Arizona State Capitol on March 24, 2018., joining hundreds of concurrent demonstrations across the U.S. protesting gun violence in schools and calling for gun-control laws. Nick Oza, The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY NETWORK

Dozens of pro gun supporter watches thousands of valley residents participate in March For Our Lives in downtown Phoenix at the Arizona State Capitol on Saturday, March 24, 2018., joining hundreds of concurrent demonstrations across the U.S. protesting gun violence in schools and calling for gun-control laws.
Nick Oza, The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY NETWORK

Seventeen cardboard coffins are placed in the parking lot of the Haddon Lake Park recreation center in Audubon, NJ or the first annual March For Our Lives event on March 24. The coffins were meant to symbolize the seventeen lives lost in the Parkland school shooting, which occurred on February 14, 2018. Rachel Wisniewski, Courier-Post via USA TODAY NETWORK

Thousands of Milwaukee students, adults and community advocates for change participate in March For Our Lives, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on March 24, as part of other marches across the country to pressure for gun measures following the Parkland shootings. RIck Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA TODAY NETWORK

Joshua Hanson leads a chant as he joins thousands of people in the March for Our Lives movement headed to Florida's Capitol on Saturday in Tallahassee, Fla., joining millions around the nation and the world is support of gun law reform. Joe Rondone, The Democrat via USA TODAY NETWORK

Tallahassee Mayor and Florida gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum speaks to the thousands of people gathered in the March for Our Lives movement at Florida's Capitol on Saturday in Tallahassee, Fla., joining millions around the nation and the world is support of gun law reform.
Joe Rondone, The Democrat via USA TODAY NETWORK

Thousands of people gather in the March for Our Lives movement at Florida's Capitol on Saturday in Tallahassee, Fla., joining millions around the nation and the world is support of gun law reform.
Joe Rondone, The Democrat via USA TODAY NETWORK

The crowd listens to Senator Debbie Stabenow talk during the March for Our Lives rally on the riverfront in downtown Detroit, Michigan on Saturday, March 24, 2018. It is estimated by organizers that close to 10,000 showed up in downtown for the march and rally with various speakers.
Eric Seals, Detroit Free Press via USA TODAY NETWORK

March organizers and Reynolds High School students junior Hannah Kepple, 17, left, junior Audrey Meigs, 16, center, and senior Aryelle Jacobsen, 17, listen as the names of the victims of last month's shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland Florida are recited at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park during the Asheville March for Our Lives on March 24, 2018. Angeli Wright, Asheville Citizen-Times via USA TODAY NETWORK

David Hogg, a survivor of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., raises his fist after speaking during the "March for Our Lives" rally in support of gun control in Washington on March 24, 2018. Andrew Harnik, AP

The crowd at Military Park where they gathered before and after the march to hear speakers including New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy during the March For Our Lives in Newark, NJ. Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com via USA TODAY NETWORK

Thousands of Milwaukee students, adults and community advocates for change participate in March For Our Lives, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on March 24, as part of other marches across the country to pressure for gun measures following the Parkland shootings. RIck Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA TODAY NETWORK

From left, Lara & Linda Tedesco, Susan & Elizabeth Christopher of LaGrange before the March For Our Lives at the Walkway over the Hudson on March 24, 2018 in Poughkeepsie. Lara, 14 and Elizabeth, 15, are students at Arlington High School. Patrick Oehler, Poughkeepsie Journal via USA TODAY NETWORK

Trevon "Tre" Bosley, 19, of Chicago, the brother of Terrell Bosley who was killed in 2006 in a case of mistaken identity, speaks during the "March for Our Lives" rally in support of gun control in Washington on March 24, 2018. Andrew Harnik, AP

Common and Andra Day perform "Stand Up For Something" with members of the Cardinal Shehan School Choir during the March for Our Lives rally on March 24, 2018 in Washington, DC. Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators, including students, teachers and parents gathered in Washington for the anti-gun violence rally organized by survivors of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting on February 14 that left 17 dead. More than 800 related events are taking place around the world to call for legislative action to address school safety and gun violence. Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

People arrive early for the March For Our Lives rally against gun violence in Washington, DC on March 24, 2018.
Galvanized by a massacre at a Florida high school, hundreds of thousands of Americans are expected to take to the streets in cities across the United States on Saturday in the biggest protest for gun control in a generation. Jim Watson, AFP/Getty Images

Students and activists display posters and chant slogans during the March For Our Lives rally against gun violence in Washington, DC on March 24, 2018.
Galvanized by a massacre at a Florida high school, hundreds of thousands of Americans are expected to take to the streets in cities across the United States on Saturday in the biggest protest for gun control in a generation. Andrew Caballero-Reynolds, AFP/Getty Images

The crowd at the March for Our Lives Rally as seen from the roof of the Newseum in Washington, DC on March 24, 2018. Galvanized by a massacre at a Florida high school, hundreds of thousands of Americans are expected to take to the streets in cities across the United States on Saturday in the biggest protest for gun control in a generation. Alex Edelman, AFP/Getty Images

Participants protest on Pennsylvania Avenue prior to the March For Our Lives in Washington, DC on March 24, 2018. March For Our Lives was organized in response to the February 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. The student activists demand that their lives and safety become a priority, and an end to gun violence and mass shootings in schools. Shawn Thew, EPA-EFE

Students from Great Mills High School in southern Maryland, protest during the "March for Our Lives" rally in support of gun control in Washington on March 24, 2018. On Tuesday a teenager killed a classmate and wounded another at the school. Jose Luis Magana, AP

American students and expats hold signs calling for stricter gun control during in a solidarity rally with 'March For Our Lives' on the Place des Nations in front of the European headquarters of the United Nations, in Geneva, Switzerland on March 24, 2018. The movement March For Our Lives held global protests in order for people worldwide to show solidarity with victims and survivors of US gun violence. March For Our Lives was organized in response to the February 14, shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. The student activists demand that their lives and safety become a priority, and an end to gun violence and mass shootings in schools. Martial Trezzini, Keystone/EPA-EFE

Students from Centreville, Virginia wear targets on their chests as they arrive for the March for Our Lives rally March 24, 2018 in Washington, DC. Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators, including students, teachers, and parents are expected to gather for the anti-gun violence rally, spurred largely by the shooting that took place on Valentine's Day at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida where 17 people died. Win McNamee, Getty Images

Protestors carry placards and shout slogans during a demonstration calling for greater gun control, outside the US Embassy in south London on March 24, 2018.
The London rally, in solidarity with the US movement 'March For Our Lives', is one of hundreds of gun control protests taking place globally. Tolga Akmen, AFP/Getty Images

People arrive for the March For Our Lives rally against gun violence in Washington, DC on March 24, 2018. Galvanized by a massacre at a Florida high school, hundreds of thousands of Americans are expected to take to the streets in cities across the United States on Saturday in the biggest protest for gun control in a generation. Nicholas Kamm, AFP/Getty Images

Protestors carry placards and shout slogans during a demonstration calling for greater gun control, outside the US Embassy in south London on March 24, 2018.
The London rally, in solidarity with the US movement 'March For Our Lives', is one of hundreds of gun control protests taking place globally. Tolga Akmen, AFP/Getty Images

Tahara Anderson, 42, from Wantagh, NY, is marching for her boys, ages 10 and 7.
"One of them was really scared because the lockdown drills have increased," she said. "He was crying, 'What if I'm in the hall, what if I can't get to my brother?'"
Anderson said the school shootings have left her with a "feeling of dread." She wants to stand with the kids across the country who are pushing for an end to mass gun violence."What an inspiration they are," she said. "Maybe they will be the voice that will bring the change." She is at Penn Station.
Alia E. Dastagir , USA TODAY

"I have two young children myself who are in grade school, and the idea that they have to do lockdown drills is heartbreaking," she said. "I don't think childhood should be filled with that."

"I think the gun culture in this country is out of control."

The Concord students said they were eager to participate in the rally and be part of the national movement.

"This gives us a chance to have a voice," senior Dakota McCabe said, showing off a sign she made for the rally. It said: "School should be where my future starts, not ends."

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Olivia Weber, left, and Kayla Twaddell, seniors from Concord High School, join the crowd at March for Our Lives in D.C.(Photo: Photo: Jessica Bies/The News Journal)

Oliva Weber, also a senior, made a sign with a knotted gun on it. "Knot a right," it read.

Joeseph Piha, a 2017 Concord High School graduate and University of Delaware student, said he is in favor of stricter gun control laws.

"I don't think anyone should have an AR," he said. "I think everybody should be able to go to school and be safe. I feel like anyone under 21 shouldn't be able to own a gun."

Overly said one of the reasons the teens are so involved is that they were born after the Columbine shooting.

"My seniors, most born in 1999, have never known a world without gun violence in schools, and they are fed up," she said.

Beginning with Columbine, more than 187,000 students attending at least 193 primary or secondary schools have experienced a shooting on campus during school hours. That fact was repeated several times during the rally.

The threat of mass shootings is the defining fear for the generation that has grown up in the shadow of the 1999 school shooting in Columbine, a new USA TODAY/Ipsos Poll finds.

Former Vice President of the United States, Joe Biden, poses for a photo with students after giving his remarks at the March for Our Lives protest at Rodney Square in Wilmington. Jason Minto, The News Journal

Speaker Kayla Davis (right) is hugged by her sister, Kim Crawford, after Davis, a Howard High School of Technology student, spoke during the March for our Lives protest in Rodney Square Saturday. William Bretzger, The News Journal

The survey of 13- to 24-year-olds — including more than 600 middle school and high school students — shows both the depth of anxiety that school violence has fueled and the way a movement has spread across the country in the weeks since a rampage at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School left 17 people dead.

Nearly 1 in 5 surveyed, 19 percent, say they don't feel safe at their school. One in 4 say it's very or somewhat likely that a classmate will bring a gun to school. Nearly 1 in 7 say it's likely there will be a shooting at their school.

The march in Washington came one day after Congress passed a large spending bill that included a measure to increase security at schools, as well as legislation to boost compliance with the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.

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Kelsey Wagner, a junior at Concord High School, joins a rally against gun violence in the March for Our Lives in Washington on Saturday, March 24. “There’s a lot of people, but it’s good," she said. "I just hope we can send a message to legislators to make a change and end gun violence.”(Photo: Photo: Jessica Bies/The News Journal)

But students have been calling for other changes. There has been widespread support for laws that would prevent convicted felons and those with mental health problems from owning guns, ban bump stocks, increase the legal age for buying a rifle or shotgun from 18 to 21 and ban assault weapons.